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Khatag and the Making of Kalimpong: Rethinking the Tibetan Material Culture

Presenter:

· Anisa Bhutia Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai (Mumbai, India)

Timeslot:

07/29 | 10:00-10:20 UTC+2/CEST

Abstract

This paper explores the question of how khatag, a ceremonial scarf traditionally used by Buddhists is (re)shaping Kalimpongs economic and global connections. Its uses range from wedding ceremonies, funerals, welcoming the guests or any special occasion. One of the places it is produced is Kalimpong, a district currently located in the Northern frontiers of West Bengal and is circulated globally. Following an ethnographic line of enquiry, this paper engages with the material culture of Tibetan object khatag. Using walking as a methodological tool we explore the ‘Tibetan Market’ of Kalimpong, ultimately questioning what does one mean by a ‘Tibetan goods’. A walk around the market in the town one can find many Tibetan items like prayers flags, incense sticks, statues, khatag etc. Among all the given commodities khatag is used in the day-to-day activities and has become a part and parcel of the Himalayas not just limited to the Buddhists but to various population settled in the Himalayas. Hence, I have chosen to explore the commodity khatag and engage with the question of how do commodities give meanings to a place. Further, due to its widespread presence in the Himalayas, through the panel, I aim to engage with the question if khatag as an object can be considered as an embodiment of the cosmopolitan pan-Himalayan identity.